depurative, a. and n.
(dɪˈpjʊərətɪv, ˈdɛpjʊreɪtɪv)
[f. med. or mod.L. dēpūrātīv-us, f. ppl. stem of dēpūrāre: cf. F. dépuratif (1792 in Hatzf.).]
A. adj. Having the quality of cleansing from impurities. B. n. A purifying agent or medicine.
depurative disease, a name given by Dickinson to lardaceous disease.
| 1684 tr. Bonet's Merc. Compit. vi. 167 A depurative fermentation of the humours. 1830 Lindley Nat. Syst. Bot. 147 The depurative properties ascribed..to Viola canina. 1861 Technologist II. 30 Sarsaparilla..as a depurative and restorative in disorders of the blood. |